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Robinson Its Not A Bloody Trend Understanding Life as an ADHD Adult.
Nobody should spend their life feeling defective. Everyone deserves to have a user manual to their brain - welcome to yours. Once associated more with hyper boys than adults, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is now recognised as a condition in need of a rebrand which affects people of all genders and ages in a multitude of ways. In this enlightening and definitive layman's guide, Kat Brown cheerfully smashes the stereotypes with scientific evidence, historical context, and practical support for ADHD minds across areas that can cause problems, from finances and work to self-medicating, relationships, hormones and self-esteem. Based on Kat's personal experience and extensive interviews with ADHDers and world-leading clinical experts, It's Not A Bloody Trend is for anyone wondering if what's always been 'wrong' with them might just be undiagnosed ADHD.
320 pages, Paperback
Published February 1, 2024
148 people are currently reading
779 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 24, 2024
Yeah ima need to make some calls
September 12, 2024
Listened on audible but think I'll have to get a hardcopy to reference back, so so much good stuff in here.
May 3, 2024
3.5⭐ Less scientific than other books on neurodiversity that I've read but also highlights the many gaps in the research that have lead to so many people being misdiagnosed or late diagnosis. A real hand hold of a book as Kat Brown explains all the ways ADHD impacts her life with extensive quotes from other people with ADHD across all ages to show the myriad of experiences.
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May 18, 2025I don't want to be overly critical of any work that is earnestly attempting to do the good work of contributing to the public understanding of ADHD, especially the understanding of ADHD amongst people WITH ADHD, and so for this reason I am going to start by saying there were things I liked about this book - I made plenty of bookmarks of little insights, particularly Kat Browns' rather than the other contributers' insights (more on that shortly), that I felt relevent or resonated with me. There was also a few bits of hard information that I found useful, such as the information on Access to Work. But overall, I have to admit I found this book very difficult to peservere with.
The format is a chapter is introduced by the author, and then there is several paragraphs taken from interviews with others with ADHD on the theme of the chapter. Kat's introductions are quite well written and enjoyable, which makes sense as she is a writer - however the interviews are very difficult to parse and not at all enjoyable to read. It seems a strange editorial choice was made to simply transcribe them from what are presumably much longer recorded interviews that have been cut up - as a result it's extremely hard to follow what these people are getting at sometimes, and frankly, a lot of these sections were just painfully irritating. It serves, I suppose, to highlight that everyone's ADHD experience is different, and every now and again I would find an interesting section or passage, but it's light on actual useful scientific and generalisable information and clear hard steps the reader can take to find out more or put coping strategies in place.
Unforunately I would not recommened this to anyone withb ADHD, personally as someone with ADHD I found the fragmentary, badly edited style extrelely offputting and it took me ages to read it! I'd definitely read Ellie Middleton's Unmasked instead. I will be on to Gabor Mate next!
The format is a chapter is introduced by the author, and then there is several paragraphs taken from interviews with others with ADHD on the theme of the chapter. Kat's introductions are quite well written and enjoyable, which makes sense as she is a writer - however the interviews are very difficult to parse and not at all enjoyable to read. It seems a strange editorial choice was made to simply transcribe them from what are presumably much longer recorded interviews that have been cut up - as a result it's extremely hard to follow what these people are getting at sometimes, and frankly, a lot of these sections were just painfully irritating. It serves, I suppose, to highlight that everyone's ADHD experience is different, and every now and again I would find an interesting section or passage, but it's light on actual useful scientific and generalisable information and clear hard steps the reader can take to find out more or put coping strategies in place.
Unforunately I would not recommened this to anyone withb ADHD, personally as someone with ADHD I found the fragmentary, badly edited style extrelely offputting and it took me ages to read it! I'd definitely read Ellie Middleton's Unmasked instead. I will be on to Gabor Mate next!
March 11, 2025
As someone newly diagnosed with ADHD and who has definitely been on an ADHD as my hyper focus journey, I was really looking forward to this. It had come recommended to me by others in a similar position, and I do love Kat Brown’s writing and the insights she’s shared in a number of podcasts.
There is a lot in here, and would be helpful for someone wanting to develop an intersectional understanding of ADHD and the wealth of variations in lived experiences. Much of this sparked insights on my own experience and the honesty and frankness of those who have contributed to the book make all of this possible.
Kats voice is lovely too and felt like listening to a friend, but there is a but (which I will caveat that this for audiobook, and the format may have contributed to this)….
It is long. It felt long.
I’ve managed about 3/4 of the book but I find the structure really offputting and going to have to call it a day. This may be just the format perhaps, and readers of a hard copy might feel differently.
The signposting to what is her experience and what is other’s narrative might be clearer in written text, but I often found myself having to question whose story was being told as there’s only a single narrator on audio book the signposting isn’t clear enough.. There’s a lot of repitition and my overall sense is that (and again perhaps only for audiobook) it would benefit from a good edit. Perhaps different voices / narrators might help, or a clearer structure in terms of themes for chapters. Without this it feels a bit rambling at times.
It’s a shame but because the single voice, I have developed a feeling of just listening to the same person and that’s almost counter intuitive for me. This might be a book that is better in hard copy and one to dip in and out of for these reasons.
There is a lot in here, and would be helpful for someone wanting to develop an intersectional understanding of ADHD and the wealth of variations in lived experiences. Much of this sparked insights on my own experience and the honesty and frankness of those who have contributed to the book make all of this possible.
Kats voice is lovely too and felt like listening to a friend, but there is a but (which I will caveat that this for audiobook, and the format may have contributed to this)….
It is long. It felt long.
I’ve managed about 3/4 of the book but I find the structure really offputting and going to have to call it a day. This may be just the format perhaps, and readers of a hard copy might feel differently.
The signposting to what is her experience and what is other’s narrative might be clearer in written text, but I often found myself having to question whose story was being told as there’s only a single narrator on audio book the signposting isn’t clear enough.. There’s a lot of repitition and my overall sense is that (and again perhaps only for audiobook) it would benefit from a good edit. Perhaps different voices / narrators might help, or a clearer structure in terms of themes for chapters. Without this it feels a bit rambling at times.
It’s a shame but because the single voice, I have developed a feeling of just listening to the same person and that’s almost counter intuitive for me. This might be a book that is better in hard copy and one to dip in and out of for these reasons.
February 29, 2024
I read this to better understand and support my family and friends who have ADHD dianosises and whilst the content was useful and informative, I struggled with the format. Each chapter is split into rough thirds, with the author first sharing her views or experiences of the given topic (eg, money, parenting). There are then multiple testimonies from other people with ADHD and then an expert's view to round off the chapter, usually a medical professional.
I would have much preferred if these numerous interviews and testimonies had been crafted into a more interwoven and flowing narrative; as it is, it feels like reading numerous lists. It is written specifically for those with ADHD so perhaps that is a much more accessible way to present the material than it is to someone without it. If this way of writing is what helps the most people then I'm all for it.
It was otherwise very useful with lots of great tips and resources.
I would have much preferred if these numerous interviews and testimonies had been crafted into a more interwoven and flowing narrative; as it is, it feels like reading numerous lists. It is written specifically for those with ADHD so perhaps that is a much more accessible way to present the material than it is to someone without it. If this way of writing is what helps the most people then I'm all for it.
It was otherwise very useful with lots of great tips and resources.
July 1, 2025
not much Info here,more just a collection of anecdotes from people with ADHD
February 18, 2026
It's not often you can say you read a book and it changed your life - but this book has made me stop being so hard on myself, as I have been all my life for not being able to remember things, for having such a terrible idea of what the time is, for having something important to add to a conversation and having to butt in before the other person has finished saying their piece because otherwise I know my thought will have flown away and I won't remember what I had been going to say until the following day sometime. All my school reports say 'Joanne needs to concentrate more - she doesn't apply herself - she daydreams too much' well now I'm in my 50's I know why. I have ADHD. I am 100% sure after reading this book. Almost every page was a revelation to me as another of my character quirks was laid bare by another person who has ADHD. It was like the book had been solely written for me, about me. It's not a fact checking book. Kat doesn't lay out a list of things to tick off - instead she relays some of her own experiences living with ADHD at the start of each chapter. She then asks a question which various people living with ADHD reply to, including several doctors and neurosurgeons. If you have ever wondered if you or someone close to you has ADHD I highly recommend this book. I am now a happier persons because I don't have to beat myself up all the time for being stupid. It's not all bad either, I am very creative and I am excellent to have around in an emergency - now I know why - All those extra neurons running around in me.
February 10, 2024
📗"It's Not a Bloody Trend, Understanding Life as an ADHD Adult", by Kat Brown has been in my greedy book-loving hands for a few days now and I absolutely love it. If you can have a crush on a book, then I've got a crush on this one.
🚕 Kat cleverly combines her own ADHD journey in the most relatable AND readable way. But it doesn't stop there. The book is also packed with the experiences of a range of ADHDers and professionals, with tips and suggestions for everyday life at the end of each chapter.
'...reading and listening both to experts in the field and to people with ADHD helps more than I can say. I just am. You just are. It's ADHD, for good and for ill, and we can reclaim dignity in that by actively learning how to best live with it'
📗 The ADHD people interviewed for the book aren't the same. That seems an obvious thing to say, but in life, there's sometimes this sense that we're seen as a combination of ADHD traits. The diversity of experiences shared by interviewees makes the book a better reflection of real life than others I've read.
🎉 Finally, it's a pretty damn bloody beautiful book, in its font size, its feel and readability. If there's going to be a trend it should be for wonderfully written and formatted books!
✨Get your copy at your favourite bookshop, online store or as Kat suggested in a podcast this week, order it from your local library. 📚
🚕 Kat cleverly combines her own ADHD journey in the most relatable AND readable way. But it doesn't stop there. The book is also packed with the experiences of a range of ADHDers and professionals, with tips and suggestions for everyday life at the end of each chapter.
'...reading and listening both to experts in the field and to people with ADHD helps more than I can say. I just am. You just are. It's ADHD, for good and for ill, and we can reclaim dignity in that by actively learning how to best live with it'
📗 The ADHD people interviewed for the book aren't the same. That seems an obvious thing to say, but in life, there's sometimes this sense that we're seen as a combination of ADHD traits. The diversity of experiences shared by interviewees makes the book a better reflection of real life than others I've read.
🎉 Finally, it's a pretty damn bloody beautiful book, in its font size, its feel and readability. If there's going to be a trend it should be for wonderfully written and formatted books!
✨Get your copy at your favourite bookshop, online store or as Kat suggested in a podcast this week, order it from your local library. 📚
June 20, 2024
Well!!!! I think this may have been the final proof I needed.
Reassuring and finally a book that makes me feel like I’m not the weirdo odd one out that struggles to make friends or gets bored easily, spends money on things I don’t need when I’m bored, eats way too much junk food - and since I was a little girl felt like Anne Shirley was my twin!! Penny dropped hearing that on a podcast a little while ago.
At least I know I’m now in a club of super cool amazing people whose brains are just wired a bit differently.
Loved how this book is a collection of real life experiences from people living with ADHD. Not heavy on scientific stuff I don’t want - how do people actually cope with all of this? That is what this book helps with.
I listened on audiobook but have purchased a paper copy immediately so I have it for reference going forward.
I think this is a must for anyone who suspects they may have ADHd or who has been diagnosed recently. It’s a really good reference.
I only knocked a star off as it took me 3 chapters to realise when it was a quote and not the authors words but that is probably me not paying attention properly 😂
Reassuring and finally a book that makes me feel like I’m not the weirdo odd one out that struggles to make friends or gets bored easily, spends money on things I don’t need when I’m bored, eats way too much junk food - and since I was a little girl felt like Anne Shirley was my twin!! Penny dropped hearing that on a podcast a little while ago.
At least I know I’m now in a club of super cool amazing people whose brains are just wired a bit differently.
Loved how this book is a collection of real life experiences from people living with ADHD. Not heavy on scientific stuff I don’t want - how do people actually cope with all of this? That is what this book helps with.
I listened on audiobook but have purchased a paper copy immediately so I have it for reference going forward.
I think this is a must for anyone who suspects they may have ADHd or who has been diagnosed recently. It’s a really good reference.
I only knocked a star off as it took me 3 chapters to realise when it was a quote and not the authors words but that is probably me not paying attention properly 😂
May 1, 2025
This is an accessible book that shares other experiences with ADHD, not just the authors. Each section also has information from two professionals. These aren't just ADHD professionals which I find really interesting.
One thing I really liked was the encouragement to outsource mental load. Nearly every section had recommendations for apps or services to use to help. I've always had a bit of shame around needing that help so it was nice to have that encouragement and recognition that having help is fine.
It also included discussions on economic barriers which I appreciated. A lot of books gloss over the fact that people might not be able to afford medication or therapy or a gym membership.
I would recommend that everyone reads the section on hormones. It really highlights the lack of knowledge and research into this area.
One thing I really liked was the encouragement to outsource mental load. Nearly every section had recommendations for apps or services to use to help. I've always had a bit of shame around needing that help so it was nice to have that encouragement and recognition that having help is fine.
It also included discussions on economic barriers which I appreciated. A lot of books gloss over the fact that people might not be able to afford medication or therapy or a gym membership.
I would recommend that everyone reads the section on hormones. It really highlights the lack of knowledge and research into this area.
August 29, 2024
The book I wish existed sooner, am so grateful for now, and ironically finished without forgetting about it and remembering a year later! Kat goes into such depth in every sphere of life ADHD can wreak havoc in an engaging and constructive way, leaving you with tangible tools, and seeing the positive side of what is otherwise an extremely complex condition.
I’ve recommended it to my fellow suspected and diagnosed friends, as it is a must read for wherever you are on your journey of understanding yourself and ADHD better. I’d also recommend it as an enlightening read for loved ones who don’t have ADHD but are interested in understanding it more.
I’ve recommended it to my fellow suspected and diagnosed friends, as it is a must read for wherever you are on your journey of understanding yourself and ADHD better. I’d also recommend it as an enlightening read for loved ones who don’t have ADHD but are interested in understanding it more.
June 15, 2025
An interesting read. I didn't feel the book was a deep dive into ADHD, more of an overview with a selection of testimonies from people diagnosed with ADHD. I've been reading books on this topic to decide if I have the condition, but the more I read, I appreciate my symptoms are connected to cPTSD. There's a fair amount of overlap between the two - eg. poor attention is actually hyper alertness due to a constant sense of threat. Also, moving around and fidgeting are signs of anxiety and attempts at self-soothing. I'm not sure this is the best book on the subject of ADHD, but it's probably a good idea to read a few anyway.
November 12, 2025
“Many people with ADHD can dip in and out of low moods and develop chronic low self-esteem and feelings of poor self worth, which over time is akin to a kind of depression, but it's knowing that there is a primary reason behind it…People need to understand that it's not like an episode of anxiety and depression. They tend to come and go, whereas ADHD is something to manage every day of your life. It doesn't go away because it's a characteristic of you.“
December 8, 2025
I'm glad I read this book, but I don't agree that it's "an enlightening and definitive layman's guide to ADHD". There are a lot of personal stories in here, alongside Brown's own personal experiences and interviews with various experts. There's little to no practical advice, just acknowledgment and validation; as such, your opinion of this book will depend on which of those things you're looking for.
August 15, 2024
I enjoyed the layout of this book. Chapters were centred around areas in which ADHD can affect your life. It begins with Kat’s experience, then a few testimonial’s from others, followed by an expert giving their approach and advice and finally a cheatsheet on how to help yourself. This means, I will feel confident referring back to this one as time goes on :)
April 7, 2024
I want to give this to everyone I know who has had a late in life diagnosis (particularly women due to discussions of hormones and menopause). It’s warm, well researched and wonderful.
May 24, 2024
Written almost as a tale of a personal voyage discovery coupled with anecdotal experiences of others along similar journeys.
June 12, 2024
really enjoyed this - informative and well-researched while feeling full of personality. I laughed just as much as I nodded like "OH! THAT'S WHY I DO THAT"
June 16, 2024
Brilliant
July 3, 2024
Easy informative read
dnf
August 27, 2024DNF @ approx page 60. Would be helpful for those awaiting diagnosis.
August 29, 2024
Finally my brain makes sense….everything makes sense, my brain isn’t broken, I’m just insane.
February 1, 2025
Fab combination of loved experience, science and testimony of people and ADHD. Very helpful read.
June 2, 2025
Enjoyable and easy book to listen to!
December 9, 2025
4.5 stars
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December 13, 2025Skimmed through it - wasn't looking for "here's how a lot of people feel about having ADHD.
December 29, 2025
Felt seen reading this book. So many times I would turn to my husband and say ‘read this bit’! Recommend
February 3, 2026
Makes so much sense!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews